At 3:23 p.m. this afternoon the Dubuque Fire Department was dispatched to a residence on Sarah Street after a resident digging in their backyard discovered what is believed to be an unexploded WWII-era mortar round/ordnance.

As a precaution, all approximately 25 properties in the neighborhood have been evacuated and Sarah Street is blocked to all traffic. Maryville Street is also blocked from Kaufmann Avenue to Kane Street.

In addition to the Dubuque Fire Department and Dubuque Police Department, the State Fire Marshall arrived on the scene and a specialist to determine if the ordnance is dangerous or not.

More information will be posted when or if available.